Itchy Eye Causes: 8 Reasons Your Eyes Itch

Published on October 16th, 2023

Updated on June 5th, 2024

An itchy eye is a very common symptom of many eye conditions. Itchy eyes may be treated with eye drops, a cold compress and antihistamines if they are caused by allergies. The 8 common reasons your eyes may itch are contact lens use, dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), seasonal allergies, perennial allergies, blepharitis, beauty products and eyelid mite infection. These common itchy eye causes and their definitions are listed below.

Contact lens use: Contact lens use may lead to itchy eyes as there can be a foreign body on the surface of the eye under the contact lens which is causing irritation.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause itchy eyes due to the surface of the eye not having enough moisture. Dry eyes is a common eye condition that is characterised by a lack of tears produced or an inadequate quality of the tears.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Conjunctivitis, known colloquially as pink eye, is an eye condition that causes inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva with symptoms including itchy eyes.
Seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies are caused by allergens including pollen and grass which cause itchy, watery and swollen eyes due to the body producing histamine.
Perennial allergies: Perennial allergies are a type of allergy that can occur year-round and are commonly caused by an allergic reaction to dust mites or animal dander and can cause itchy eyes.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an eye condition characterised by inflammation of the eyelids due to problems with the oil glands in the eyes and/or bacteria which can cause itchy eyes.
Beauty products: Beauty products on or around the eyes may cause a person’s eyes to become itchy due to the substances they contain which can include dyes and perfumes.
Eyelid mite infection: An eyelid mite infestation is a common issue that can lead to the eyes becoming itchy and inflamed as it can cause the eye condition blepharitis.

If you are wondering, why are my eyes so itchy, keep reading to find out 8 common reasons why they may be itchy and to learn what causes itchy eyes.

1. Contact Lens Use

Contact lens use may lead to itchy eyes as there can be a foreign body on the surface of the eye under the contact lens which is causing irritation, according to Women’s Health. Contact lenses are a type of corrective device that is placed directly on the eye’s surface to give the wearer clear vision. There are two main types of contact lenses which are hard contacts and soft contacts and they can also be categorised by the amount of time that you can wear them, such as extended wear or daily contact lenses. While contact lenses are convenient for many people, they increase a person’s risk of developing eye infections. Eye infections that may be caused by wearing contacts include keratitis and conjunctivitis.

2. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a common eye condition that is characterised by a lack of tears produced by the eyes or an inadequate quality of the tears. Itchiness is a symptom of dry eye that can occur when your eyes do not have enough moisture. Other symptoms of dry eyes include a sensation of grittiness, stinging and burning, blurred vision, redness and tearing. Dry eyes can be caused by ageing, eye surgery, wearing contact lenses, not blinking regularly and hormonal changes. Dry eyes may also be caused by spending too much time on digital screens, also known as digital eye strain, which can be prevented by taking frequent breaks to rest the eyes. Treatments for dry eyes may involve using artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, or special eye drop solutions that help generate more tears.

3. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, known colloquially as pink eye, is an eye condition that causes inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva with symptoms including itchy eyes, stinging eyes, eye discharge and red eyes. There are three main types of pink eye (conjunctivitis), bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis which can be caused by bacteria, a viral infection, an allergic reaction and a chemical splash in the eye. Treatments for pink eye include antibiotic eye drops for bacterial causes, antihistamines for allergy causes and artificial tears for general relief from conjunctivitis symptoms. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious meaning they can easily spread to other people whereas allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

An itchy eye that has been caused by pink eye (conjunctivitis)

4. Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused by allergens, substances that cause an overreaction in the body’s immune system, which may lead to itchy eyes among other symptoms. According to HealthDirect, this overreaction triggers the body to release histamine which causes the eyes’ blood vessels to dilate, irritating the nerve endings which leads to watery eyes. The allergens that cause seasonal allergies include grass and plant pollen and can land in the eye, causing eye irritation and itchiness. Seasonal allergies can also cause an eye condition called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, also known as SAC, which is closely associated with hay fever and is common during spring and summer when there is high pollen. Symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis include itchy or red eyes, dark circles under the eyes and a runny nose.

5. Perennial Allergies

Perennial allergies are a type of allergy that happens year-round and are commonly caused by an allergic reaction to dust mites and animal dander. The allergens that cause perennial allergies can land in the eye, causing eye irritation and itchiness. Perennial allergies can also cause an eye condition called perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Compared to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis typically has milder symptoms. Symptoms of this eye condition besides itchy eyes include red eyes, swelling and burning of the eyes. Perennial allergies also commonly affect the nose causing nasal congestion and a runny nose, according to Very Well Health.

6. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eye condition characterised by inflammation of the eyelids due to problems with the oil glands in the eyes and/or bacteria which can cause itchy and burning eyes, alongside crusty eyelashes. Blepharitis can be caused by seborrheic dermatitis and ocular rosacea which are both skin conditions as well as an eye infection and dry eyes. There are two types of blepharitis, anterior and posterior, which affect different parts of the eyelid, the former being where the eyelashes meet the eyelid and the latter affecting the inner part of the eyelid where it touches the eyeball. Blepharitis may be treated with antibiotics, eye drops and specific blepharitis medication.

7. Beauty Products

Beauty products on or around the eyes may cause a person’s eyes to become itchy due to the substances they contain. According to Women’s Health, makeup products may contain perfumes, dyes and preservatives which a person may be allergic to or develop a hypersensitivity to, causing irritation. This irritation can include itchy eyes, red eyes and swelling. While makeup products are not directly applied to the eye, makeup surrounding the area can travel to or fall onto your eyeball such as mascara, concealer or eyeshadow.

A lady putting makeup on her eye which may cause itchy eyes

8. Eyelid Mite Infestation

An eyelid mite infestation is a common issue that can lead to the eyes becoming itchy as it can cause the eye condition blepharitis. Mites in the eyelid, specifically the eyelashes, are called Demodex mites which block eyelash follicles and glands in a person’s eye, causing blepharitis. These mites feed on oil and skin cells of the eyes, according to Women’s Health. Demodex mites may also trigger an inflammatory response in the body due to the bacteria that these mites carry on their body. Eyelid mites can be treated with antibiotics or steroid medication such as creams or eye drops.

Can Eyelash Extensions Irritate the Eyes?

Yes, if eyelash extensions are not placed properly on the eye, they can cause irritation or possibly allergic reactions. If someone has an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions, it is most likely that they are allergic to the glue used to apply the lashes. According to Whiplash, a brow and eyelash company, a person’s eyes can be irritated from eyelashes if the lashes are placed too close to the client's skin, fume from the glue if the eyes are not fully closed and rubbing on the skin or eye.

What are the Risks of Eye Irritation?

There are not many risks of eye irritation; however, it may be an indication of a foreign object in the eye that can cause damage if it is not treated, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are many causes of eye irritation, most being harmless and can be treated such as dry eyes or conjunctivitis.

What is Itchy Eye?

Itchy eye is a common eye symptom, known scientifically as ocular pruritus, that can be caused by dry eyes, allergies, pink eye and other eye infections. Itchy eyes can be accompanied by red eyes, watery eyes, burning eyes and swollen eyes. Itchy eyes can be treated with allergy medication, a cold compress and eye drops. This eye problem is typically harmless and can be prevented if you identify what causes your eyes to become itchy, such as allergies and contact lenses.

What Does Eye Irritation Feel Like?

Eye irritation can refer to a feeling of itchiness, dryness, pain and a sensation of grittiness in the eye, according to Medical News Today. Eye irritation is a general term that is often used to describe any sort of discomfort in the eyes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, eye irritation can be accompanied by symptoms including itching, pain, red eyes, swelling, watery eyes, and blurred vision.

How to Prevent Itchy Eyes?

There are some ways a person can prevent itchy eyes such as cleaning their contact lenses. However, much of itchy eye prevention involves identifying your own triggers that cause this eye problem. For example, itchy eyes caused by allergies may be prevented by avoiding the specific allergens that trigger an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to animal dander, you can try washing your pets weekly to reduce or potentially prevent itchy eyes and other symptoms.

What are the Treatments for Itchy Eyes?

There are multiple ways to treat itchy eyes. There are general treatments for itchy eyes such as artificial tears or a cold compress and others that target the underlying cause such as avoiding allergens, taking antihistamine medications and using antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. The treatments for itchy eyes and their definitions are listed below.

Artificial tears: Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, can be used to treat itchy eyes by reducing irritation. Artificial tears work by adding moisture to the surface of the eye and reducing dryness. These eye drops can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription and mimic the make-up of actual tears which are especially helpful for people whose eyes are not producing enough tears.
Cold compress: A cold compress can be used to treat and relieve itchy eyes as it can reduce inflammation and soothe the eye area. A cold compress is simply made with cold water and a washer or cloth. Soak the cloth in cold water, ring out the excess water and place it on the eyes. This can be performed throughout the day to provide relief from itchy eyes.
Avoid allergens: For people whose itchy eyes are caused by an allergic reaction, they can try and avoid allergens they know trigger their allergies. This can include closing the windows in spring and summer if they have seasonal allergies to keep pollen out. They could also make sure to clean their house regularly and wash sheets and towels more frequently to get rid of dust.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a type of medication that blocks histamine released by the body when it is having an allergic reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antihistamines can treat itchy eyes if they are caused by allergies and can typically be purchased as oral medications, available without a prescription.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help treat eye infections of which itchy eyes may be a symptom. For example, blepharitis, which is an eye infection that causes inflamed eyelids, can be treated with antibiotics as they fight the infection caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can come in the form of ointments, eye drops or pills and should be taken per your healthcare provider's instructions.

An icon for the different itchy eye treatments which are artificial tears, a cold compress, avoiding allergens, antihistamines and antibiotics.

What are the Home Remedies and Treatments for Itchy Eyes?

The home remedies and treatments for itchy eyes include using a cold compress on the eyes, practising the 20-20-20 rule and avoiding allergens. These home remedies for itchy eyes and their definitions are listed below.

Cold compress on eyes: To relieve irritation and itchiness, you can use a cold compress on the eyes which is a home remedy to treat itchy eyes. A cold compress consists of a washer or cloth and cold water. Submerge the washer in cold water, ring out the excess and place over the eyes to enjoy its benefits.
20-20-20 rule: The 20-20-20 rule is a type of eye exercise that can be performed as a home remedy to treat itchy eyes. This is often caused by looking at screens for a long period of time which is known as digital eye strain. To perform this exercise, look away from your screen for 20 seconds, for every 20 minutes of screen time, and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away, or 6 metres.
Avoid allergens: If you commonly experience eye allergies that cause itchy and irritated eyes, try and avoid allergens that you know trigger your symptoms. This could mean cleaning your house of dust and changing bedding regularly if you are allergic to dust mites or closing the windows in spring and summer to stop pollen from entering your home.

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